World War II Memorial

Your Guide

The World War II Memorial honors “the greatest generation” who had gone through the Great Depression and then went on to fight with the Allies and win the 20th century conflict. The key to victory was unity and sacrifice at home and the ability to become the world’s breadbasket and arsenal. The memorial was consciously placed between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial to reflect the importance of World War II in preserving and internationalizing the democratic ideals won by George Washington and upheld by Abraham Lincoln. At the same time, the Rainbow Pool area was lowered and memorial elements kept to the side to protect the east-west vista between the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial.

Aerial View

Located between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, the location of the WWII Memorial was controversial. Due to its location between two iconic structures, the World War II Memorial was designed to be experienced as a space rather than a single object. By 2008 the memorial was very popular with the visiting public.

Image: National Park Service

Entry Pavilions

The Memorial’s tallest entry pavilions representing the European and Pacific theaters of World War II, are situated north and south in order to not interrupt the view between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. The World War II medal of victory is on the pavilion floor.

Image: American Society of Landscape Architects

Quiet Separation

Visitors enjoy the sound of water, which creates the feeling of quiet separation from the nearby road.

Image: American Society of Landscape Architects

The Memorial at Night

Rainbow Pool jets mask the noise of traffic and create a restful ambiance day and night.

Image: National Park Service

A Field of Gold Stars

The field of more than 4,048 gold stars at the memorial – each star represents 100 service members killed.

Flagpoles

Symbolic Columns

Fifty-six granite columns for states, territories and the District of Columbia frame the rebuilt Rainbow Pool, forming two half-circles each linked by braided bronze rope signifying the ties that bind our nation together. Each column has two wreaths: oak symbolizing industrial strength, and wheat symbolizing agricultural productivity.

Image: National Park Service

Unity

The columns are linked together by bronze rope signifying unity.

Image: National Park Service

Bas-relief

There are 24 bas-relief sculptures on the entry walls illustrating the battlefront and homefront. Two massive flagpoles with six-sided bases representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine; and 10 inscriptions with WWII quotations.

Image: National Park Service

Victory Wreath

Eagles hold victory wreaths in each of the entry pavilions.

Image: National Park Service

Gateway Fountains

Quotations are inscribed on walls flanking the gateway fountain. They can be seen at the edge of this photo.

Image: National Park Service

Coordinated Details

Look for coordinated details such as these drainage grates.

Image: National Park Service

Medallion

Medallion under the entry pavilions.

Image: National Park Service

Inscribed Quotations

There are 10 inscriptions throughout the site with World War II quotations.

Image: American Society of Landscape Architects

Inscribed Quotations

Quotations are inscribed on walls throughout the memorial.

Image: American Society of Landscape Architects

Entry Inscription

This inscription is near the entry to World War II Memorial.

Image: National Park Service

KILROY WAS HERE

A copy of a cartoon, KILROY WAS HERE, drawn by World War II soldiers around the world, is located near the pump house entries.